“The keys of the Aaronic Priesthood were committed unto him, and he was as the voice of one crying in the wilderness, saying, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.’” — Joseph Smith¹

John the Baptist, born to Elizabeth and Zacharias, was the cousin of Jesus Christ and was chosen before birth to prepare the way for Him. John's father, Zacharias was promised that his son would go forth "in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children."² John the Baptist's life and ministry ended when Herod Antipas imprisoned the prophet and eventually beheaded him.³

On May 15, 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery knelt to pray in the woods near Harmony, Pennsylvania. They had been translating the Book of Mormon and now had questions about baptism. In response to the prayer, John the Baptist appeared and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood. Joseph and Oliver were also given the keys or authority to perform baptisms.⁴

1. Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 84

2. Luke 1

3. Mark 6:14-29

4. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 7, 66-68; D&C 13